Trusted Travel Gear Store

Trusted Travel Gear I have been perpetually traveling the world for the past 11 years – through more than 47 countries on 5 continents. I am a full time, professional traveler, and this is the gear that I carry with me in my backpack. I have field tested or tried out almost all of the [...]

Trusted Travel Gear

I have been perpetually traveling the world for the past 11 years – through more than 47 countries on 5 continents. I am a full time, professional traveler, and this is the gear that I carry with me in my backpack. I have field tested or tried out almost all of the travel gear featured in this store, and I still use many of these items. Below the item’s descriptions are links to other pages on Vagabond Journey.com where I have written detailed reviews of the products being sold here. This is intended to be a one stop shop for all your travel gear needs.

Scottevest Travel Jacket

This is the jacket that has so many pockets that you do not need to carry any other luggage with you. Or so this is what Rolf Potts did with it on his trip around the world. Inside of this jacket are 24 pockets to carry and conceal your travel gear.

Product specs:

24 Pockets / Compartments including DeepPockets(tm)

Works as a Fleece or Vest with zip-off sleeves

Personal Area Network (PAN) wire management

Clear Touch Fabric to view and control your iPod without taking it out

Scottevest Fleece 5.0

Waterproof Carhartt Rain Jacket

I have been carrying Carhartt Jackets with me almost since I began traveling. They are good, durable, tough, and this one is waterproof. You never know what conditions you are going to be in when traveling, it is good to have a rain jacket. This one will meet the rigors of the Open Road.

Olympus Stylus 1050SW Camera

Don’t miss the opportunity to take great photos because of adverse travel conditions that most cameras cannot handle. Shock Proof, water proof, virtually indestructible. The perfect camera for traveling. I began using this camera in December of 2008, and it has not let me down since. I have dropped it multiple times, taken it swimming, and always keep it snug in the breast pocket of my shirt no matter how rough of an activity I am involved in. It has 10.1 mp, can be safely dropped from heights of 5 feet, and is waterproof up to 10 feet underwater. This makes an excellent 2nd camera to your nice DSLR or other camera that is not made the rigors of travel, getting wet, or is just too expensive to
securely take everywhere. Get the photos that nobody else can, this camera can go ANYWHERE.

Canon PowerShot D10 Camera

If it was in the budget to get another camera, this would be it. This has to be the best travel camera currently on the market. I tested one out in Mexico, and it lives up to all expectations. It is waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof against drops up to 4 feet, and can function in extreme weather from 14 to 104 degrees. It also has great reaction time: as soon as you push the on button it is just about ready to take a photo. I highly recommend this camera for world travel.

Nikon Coolpix P6000

This is a camera that is similar to the one that my friend and fellow professional traveler, Craig at Travelvice.com, is using. Check out his snapshots pages — needless to say, I trust his choice of camera.

Female Travel Urination Device

Sick of having to sit down on filthy toilet seats in travel? Well, these female urination devices are the thing for you. These cheap little funnel tubes allows women to cleanly urinate while standing up.

Carhartt Work Boots for Traveling/ Hiking

These are the boots that I have been traveling with for the past two years. In this time, I have traveled through mountains, deserts, and jungles – they have not let me down yet. The uppers are all leather, which makes for easy cleaning and polishing, and they are internally waterproof. They are also not insulated, which is very good for traveling. Having non insulated boots means that you are free to determine how warm you want your feet: in cold climates add socks, in hot climates add nothing. I have found these boots to be perfect for traveling on journeys through very different climates – they can handle almost any environment.Shop for more waterproof Carhartt boots on Amazon.com

Carhartt Hiking Boots (womens)

These are a pair of women’s
Carhartt hiking boots for women. If these boots are anywhere near as good as the the men’s version, then these are great for traveling.

Kelty Redwing Backpack 3100

A slightly larger version of the Redwing 2650 that I have been using for two years. In addition to myself, Andy the Hobotraveler.com and Craig from Travelvice.com
have used Kelty Redwing backpacks for traveling.

Kelty Redwing Backpack 2500 for Women

My wife Chaya says that backpacks which are designed to fit the bodies of female travelers are vastly more comfortable than their standard “male” counterparts. She always travels with a women’s backpack, so I take her word for it.

Kelty Redwing Backpack 2650

This is the rucksack that I have used for the past 2 years of world travel. I love it. The best backpack on the market that I know of. The bag’s harness is excellent, it opens like a suitcase, it is comfortable, and is compact enough to carry on an airplane. This size backpack is made for traveling extremely light, the 3100 model above is a little larger.

Hennessy Hammock Expedition Tent, Hammock/ Travel Shelter

These Hennessy Hammock shelters are awesome. I first saw one being used by a long distance bicycle traveler in Eastern Europe, and I just recently got one myself. I tested it out, and it is all that it is hype up to be. They are compact, light weight, comfortable to sleep in, and can be stuffed into a snake-like tube for easy transport. If you are bicycling or hiking long distance, then I definitely recommend the Hennessy Hammock tent.

Ergo Baby Carriers

The midwife who assisted with the birth of my daughter, Petra, said, “There is no reason to buy any other baby carrier but the Ergo.” After using an Ergo traveling the world for well over a year, I must say that she was correct: these are the best baby carriers out there. They are also great for traveling.

Katadin Hiker Pro Water Filter

This is a standard, pump style water filter. I always carry a water filter with me when traveling, as I do not want to pay for bottled water every day. I generally filter tap water with this filter. I used this filter as I traveled through Central America in 2008, and it performed excellently.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

This is the real Swiss Army Knife. I picked up a Swiss Army Knife that was very similar to this one in India in ’06. I used it everyday for two years before it was lifted from my checked luggage at MEX in 2008. I still miss it.

Traveler Money/ Security Belt

I use a simple money belt, much like this one, as a place to keep my travel document strapped close to my body. These belts are meant to be worn under the clothing with every part of it concealed. I usually keep my money, ATM cards, and travel documents in various places all over my body, and, in addition to hidden pockets sewn into my pants, I have found these money belts to be indispensable.

Waterproof Passport Holder

After a half dozen accidents I found that it is best to always keep my passport in a waterproof holder. I first saw the traveler, Loren Everly, using a device similar to this to keep his passport dry.
This holder boasts that it is white water resistant. I am sure that it will be good for your travels.

Petzl Head Lamp

I use a headlamp as my flashlight type of choice. The reason: I can use it with my hands free. I also use the strap to hang it over the bed post in places that are prone to electrical failures.

Mummy style sleeping bag

I use a sleeping bag similar to this. It is light weight, and not excessively warm — a good all weather sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is an often debated piece of gear amongst travelers, but it is my impression that if you intend to sleep outside of the comfort of hostels or hotels, they are essential. . . and it is sometimes good to have a sleeping bag to lay over dirty hostel or hotel sheets.

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle

This is a standard stainless steel water bottle. I have been traveling with a couple of these bottles since December of 2008, and they do the job. I have not yet came across a better water bottle. It is light weight, shuts securely (does not leak), and it is made from stainless steel – which means that it will not leach harmful chemicals like plastic or aluminum bottles. All for all, I recommend this bottle for travel.

Platypus Water Bottles

These bottles are excellent. When not in use they can be rolled up and made very small. This is a
lightweight way to carry water and it will not take up too much room in your backpack. Good for travel. Make sure you buy one with a screw on top!

Brunton Compass

From doing seven seasons of professional archaeology field work, I know that Brunton makes the best compasses available. When traveling, I have found the use of a compass indispensable in mostly congested urban areas. An example of a situation of where I would use a compass when traveling is when trying to orient myself with a map in a large city when exiting a large railway station — you know where you want to go on the map, but what side of the railway station did you walk
out of? Maps are often useless without the means to orient yourself to them. A small compass is essential travel gear.

Immersion Heater

Great for making coffee or tea on your own. Saves you money over buying coffee in the restaurants or cafes. Carrying one of these also makes you a more self sufficient traveler, as you will always be able to boil your own water with electrical access. Make sure you buy the 240V type so that it will work in all countries.

International Electrical Current Adaptor

Converts electrical current so that you can use your USA made, 120V electronics in countries that use 240V.

International Plug Adaptor

Compatible with worldwide standard; converts two-prong, US-style power plugs to fit a variety of other outlet styles.

Suitable for over 150 countries

Surge protection and safety shutter

Power indicator light

You can transform the adapter into 4 configurations for different standard: European, United Kingdom, United States, Australia

Star Vegetable Peeler

This is the king of all vegetable peelers. You may think that a peeler is a not something to rave about, but this line of peeler is amazing. I picked up one of these Star vegetable peelers from the traveling salesman, Joe Ades in Brooklyn, and have been amazed by it ever since. When traveling, it is often a good idea to peel your vegetables before eating, and this peeler does so quickly and with little mess. An essential piece of travel gear.

Mosquito Net

Good Rain Poncho

A good rain poncho is a travel essential. Carrying one at all times has saved my hide more than once. I carry a good quality rain poncho like this one as cheaper varieties tend to rip and tear after minimal use. I also choose to carry a poncho because they can also be used as tarps or blankets, given them multiply uses — which is always good for travel gear.

Australian Kangaroo Leather Hat

A good hat is a traveling essential. Wide brim leather hats will keep the desert sun off your face and neck as well as the tropical rain from drizzling down your back. A good leather hat will be appreciate almost more than any other piece of travel gear on the Road. Get one before you depart on your journey.

Wade Shepard is the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. He has been traveling the world since 1999, through 88 countries. He is the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China, and contributes to The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. Wade Shepard has written 3426 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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About Wade Shepard

I’m an itinerant writer who has been traveling the world since 1999, through 88 countries. I wrote Ghost Cities of China, a book which chronicles the two years that I spent in China’s new cities, and have another book about the New Silk Road coming out soon. I’m a regular contributor to Forbes, The Diplomat, and the South China Morning Post, and I have been featured on BBC World, VICE, NPR Morning Edition, CNBC Squawk Box, CBC The Current … This is my personal blog where I share stories from the road that don’t fit in anywhere else. In other words, this is my daily diary, raw and real — it is not edited or even proofread. Subscribe below.